Device with a multiple strand forming device and method of the tobacco processing industry

Abstract

A facility (2) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a flat web supply device (4) configured to supply at least one first flat web (8a) and a second flat web (8b) separate therefrom to a downstream multiple strand forming device (18) configured to simultaneously produce at least one first and one second strand (20a, 20b) from the first and second flat webs (8a, 8b), wherein a separating device (10) and a strip group guiding device (16) are provided successively in a conveying path from the flat web supply device (4) to the multiple strand forming device (18) in a transport direction (T), wherein the separating device (10) comprises at least one first and one second separating unit (12a, 12b), and the first separating unit (12a) is configured toto separate the first flat web (8a) into a first group of strips and the second separation unit (12b) is configured to separate the second flat web (8b) into a second group of strips, the strip group guide device (16) comprises at least a first and a second strip group guide unit (14a, 14b), and the first strip group guide unit (14a) is configured to bundle the first group of strips, change a first transport direction of the first group of strips according to a first change in direction, and provide a first strip bundle to the multiple strand forming device (18), and the second strip group guide unit (14b) is configured to bundle the second group of strips, change a second transport direction of the second group of strips according to a second change in direction, and provide a second strip bundle to the multiple strand forming device (18),characterized in that the separating unit comprises a first roller and a second roller cooperating therewith, wherein the lateral surfaces of the rollers have circumferentially closed grooves and elevations in an axial direction of the respective roller, alternating in the circumferential direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device in the tobacco processing industry comprising a flat web supply device configured to supply at least one first flat web and a separate second flat web to a downstream multiple strand forming device configured to simultaneously produce at least one first and one second strand. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method in the tobacco processing industry for simultaneously producing at least one first and one second strand from at least one first flat web and a separate second flat web.

[0002] EP 3 440 946 A1 discloses a machine in the tobacco processing industry for the simultaneous production of multiple rods, for example, a double-rod machine for the simultaneous production of multiple filter rods or tobacco rods. The machine comprises a material web supply device, with which web-like material is supplied and fed to a downstream multiple-strand forming device. Between the material web supply device and the multiple-strand forming device, a crimping device is provided, which is designed to crimp the supplied web-like material for all strands to be formed.

[0003] A device for producing a rod from reconstituted tobacco material is known, for example, from DE 19 54 036 A. A flat web of reconstituted tobacco material is cut into parallel strips using a circular knife cutting device. The strips are combined to form a rod and covered with an outer wrapping. The wrapped rod is cut into pieces of predetermined length so that rod-shaped articles, for example cigarette-like articles, can be produced. The circular knives used to produce the individual strips are in direct mechanical contact with one another and cut the material at the point to be severed or along a dividing line, with the two blades sliding directly against each other like scissors.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for the tobacco processing industry and a method for the tobacco processing industry with which a product of the tobacco processing industry can be manufactured from one or more flat webs, wherein a significantly higher production speed should be possible.

[0005] The object is achieved by a device in the tobacco processing industry with a flat web supply device which is designed to provide at least one first flat web and a second flat web separate from the latter to a downstream multiple strand forming device which is designed to produce at least one first and one second strand simultaneously from the first and the second flat web, wherein the device is further developed in that a separating device and a strip group guiding device are provided successively in a conveying path from the flat web supply device to the multiple strand forming device in a transport direction, wherein the separating device comprises at least one first and one second separating unit and the first separating unit is designed to separate the first flat web into a first group of strips and the second separating unit is designed toto separate the second flat web into a second group of strips, the strip group guide device comprises at least a first and a second strip group guide unit, and the first strip group guide unit is configured to bundle the first group of strips, change a first transport direction of the first group of strips according to a first change in direction, and provide a first strip bundle of the multiple strand forming device, and the second strip group guide unit is configured to bundle the second group of strips, change a second transport direction of the second group of strips according to a second change in direction, and provide a second strip bundle of the multiple strand forming device, characterized in that the separating unit comprises a first roller and a second roller cooperating therewith,wherein the lateral surfaces of the rollers have, in an axial direction of the respective roller, alternating circumferentially closed grooves and elevations.

[0006] Advantageously, the facility allows the tobacco processing industry to process the strips produced from the flat webs in a multi-strand forming device. This multiplies the production volume for the strands produced from the strips and thus also the potential production volume for articles made from the strands in the tobacco processing industry.

[0007] When producing strips from a flat web, the spatial relationship of the bundles of strips produced from the strips is decisively determined by the dimensions of the first and second flat web.

[0008] For example, it is possible to arrange the first and second flat webs next to each other in one plane. This arrangement has a total width that is slightly greater than twice the width of the individual flat webs. Assuming that the strips produced from these two flat webs are bundled symmetrically, the spacing between the resulting bundles of strips is half the total width. Assuming that flat webs of at least approximately equal width are processed, the spacing is slightly more than twice the width of one of these flat webs. This spacing is typically greater than the spacing between the two strands of a double-strand machine that can be used to produce the strand from the cut strips. If this is not the case, only very narrow flat webs can be processed.It is therefore advantageous if the groups of strips or bundles of strips are deflected / redirected from the first and second transport directions according to a first and second change of direction. This makes it possible to safely and reliably supply a double-strand machine with bundles of strips, regardless of the width of the flat webs used.

[0009] Generally, considering a situation in which more than two flat webs are separated into strips and, accordingly, more than two bundles of strips are present, it is necessary to deflect either the group of strips immediately after passing through the separating device or the bundle of strips after bundling in order to create the required or desired spacing for subsequent strand formation. Such deflection occurs within the plane in which the flat webs are fed side by side into the separating device.

[0010] In a further arrangement, the two flat webs could be guided in different, spaced-apart planes. Accordingly, the separating devices and the groups of strips leaving them are also located in the spaced-apart planes. It would be possible to adjust the horizontal spacing of the strip bundles to the desired level for subsequent strand formation. In such a case, however, the height difference between the planes in which the strip bundles are located must be overcome. Thus, even with such an arrangement, it is necessary to provide a deflection for the groups of strips or the strip bundles.

[0011] In light of the technical considerations outlined above, it has proven advantageous to always provide for strip bundling and deflection before the strips produced from the flat webs are fed to the subsequent strand formation process. The deflection can take place either before bundling or after the group of strips has been bundled into strip bundles. Of course, multiple deflections are also possible, for example, before and after the group of strips has been bundled into strip bundles.

[0012] Advantageously, the tobacco processing industry facility therefore comprises a first strip group guide unit and a second strip group guide unit, which are configured to bundle the first and second groups of strips and to deflect them in a first and second transport direction, respectively, in accordance with a first and second change of direction, respectively. The first transport direction of the first group of strips is changed in accordance with the first change of direction, and the second transport direction of the second group of strips is changed in accordance with the second change of direction.

[0013] In particular, it is provided that the first change of direction and the second change of direction are different from each other, wherein in particular the first and the second change of direction are opposite to each other.

[0014] For example, if the first and second flat tracks are arranged in a common plane, the first change of direction (of the first flat track) within this plane occurs in the direction of the second flat track. If the first flat track is on the left and the second flat track is on the right, the first change of direction describes a right turn. The second change of direction occurs in the direction of the first flat track, and accordingly, it is a left turn. These two changes of direction (right turn / left turn) are opposite changes of direction.

[0015] If the first and second flat tracks are arranged in different and spaced-apart planes, and if the first flat track is, for example, the upper of the two flat tracks, the first change of direction occurs downwards, toward the second flat track. A second change of direction occurs upwards, toward the first flat track. These two changes of direction (downward / upward) are also opposite to each other.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the strip group guide device is configured to bundle the group of strips symmetrically. It is provided that, in a bundling zone, the outer strips of the group travel a distance of at least approximately the same length.

[0017] In the bundling zone, the outer strips of the bundle, viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a conveying direction, are each at the same distance from a center point of the bundle of strips.

[0018] The symmetrical bundling of the group of strips has the advantage that, unlike asymmetric bundling, individual strips are not excessively stretched during bundling. The two outer strips of the group are stretched equally, thus experiencing the same maximum elongation. In absolute terms, the maximum elongation of the strips is lower with symmetric bundling than with asymmetric bundling.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device is further developed in that the flat web supply device comprises at least a first and a second reel and is designed to supply the first flat web from the first reel and the second flat web from the second reel.

[0020] In other words, the first and second flat tracks are provided separately from each other.

[0021] According to a further and in particular alternative embodiment, it is provided that the flat web supply device comprises an at least double-width reel, wherein an at least double-width flat web can be provided on the at least double-width reel, and wherein a separating device is included which is designed to separate the at least double-width flat web into at least the first and the second flat web, wherein the separating device is provided as a component of the flat web supply device or as a component of the separating device.

[0022] Providing the flat web in double or generally multiple widths on a double-width or generally multiple-width reel allows for a simplification of the design of the equipment in the tobacco processing industry. This structural simplification is achieved in that, instead of multiple reel holders, reel receptacles, and any necessary reel changing devices, only a single device or holder is required. The multiple-width flat web is split into a first and second flat web using a splitting device. This splitting device can be part of the flat web supply device or the splitting device, depending on which arrangement is advantageous.

[0023] The severing device, for example, is a roller blade arrangement. Any other design form of the severing device, such as a device that performs the cut using a laser or a waterjet, is also possible. If rollers or a pair of rollers are used as the severing device, the severing device can also be designed as a component of this pair of rollers. The severing device is, in particular, designed in the manner of a cooperating pair of roller blades.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the flat web providing device comprises a layer forming unit which is designed to join at least one upper flat web and one lower flat web together to form a multi-layer flat web and to provide it to the separating device.

[0025] The processing of a multi-layer flat sheet allows the use of narrower flat sheets, for example flat sheets that are half as wide, since the missing material is compensated by twice the thickness of the two flat sheets placed on top of each other.

[0026] It is further provided in particular that the device comprises at least an upper bobbin and a lower bobbin, wherein the upper bobbin and the lower bobbin rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions. If the two bobbins rotate in the same direction, i.e. if they rotate in the same direction when unwinding the respective flat webs on the bobbins, the upper side of one flat web comes to rest on the underside of the other flat web in the multi-layer flat web. If the two bobbins rotate in opposite directions when unwinding the flat web, the upper side comes to rest on the upper side or the underside comes to rest on the underside in the multi-layer flat web. Depending on the nature of the upper side and underside, for example with regard to a tendency to stick, surface roughness or the like, one or the other configuration can be implemented in the multi-layer flat web.

[0027] According to an advantageous further development, it is provided that the layer forming unit is a folding unit which is designed to continuously fold the flat web along its length, in particular to fold it such that the flat web lies longitudinal edge to longitudinal edge, and to provide the longitudinally folded flat web as a multi-layer flat web.

[0028] The use of the folding unit allows a single reel to be used to process a multi-layer flat web. This simplifies the design of the flat web supply device, which only needs to include a single receptacle for the single reel present.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the flat web supply device comprises a double-width upper bobbin and a double-width lower bobbin, wherein the flat web supply device is configured to supply the upper flat web from the upper bobbin and the lower flat web from the lower bobbin, to combine them in the layer forming unit to form a multi-layer double-width flat web and to supply them to the separating device as a double-width multi-layer flat web.

[0030] The device of the tobacco processing industry is further developed in particular in that the first and the second separation unit are separate units, wherein in particular the first and the second separation unit are arranged in different levels of the separation device.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment, it is provided that the first and the second separation unit are designed as a common unit, wherein in particular the first and the second separation unit have a common drive and furthermore in particular have an identical transport speed.

[0032] The flat sheet is, in particular, a film. For example, it could be a tobacco film, or, for example, a tobacco film made from reconstituted tobacco material. The tobacco film is produced, for example, using a slurry process or a paper process. The film can also be, for example, a PLA film. Furthermore, the film can be a thin metal foil or the like.

[0033] The separation units of the separation device, in particular the first and second separation units, are further designed in particular as follows: The separating unit comprises a first roller and a second roller which interacts with the first roller, the outer surfaces of the rollers having circumferentially closed grooves and elevations alternating in the axial direction of the respective roller. In an active region, the elevations of the first roller engage in the grooves of the second roller and the elevations of the second rollers engage in the grooves of the first roller. The separating unit is designed such that immediately adjacent strips are separated from one another along a predetermined separating line in an active region by overstretching the flat web transversely to the separating line to such an extent that it tears apart along the separating line. The separating unit therefore does not use a knife arrangement in which adjacent knives lie directly next to one another in the active region and interact like the blades of scissors.This results in a targeted local overstretching, rather than a sharp scissor cut, resulting in a defined fracture of the flat sheet along the dividing line. As a result, it is advantageously possible to produce strips with open microstructured side edges.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, it is provided that a first and a second strip bundle, which is present when leaving the strip group guiding device and leaves the first and second strip group guiding unit, respectively, have a center-to-center distance of at least approximately 38 mm.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the strip group guide units are designed such that the strips are first bundled and then deflected. If the strips are deflected in a bundled form, it is no longer necessary to consider possible local overstretching of individual strips during the deflection process.

[0036] For multi-layer flat sheets, which are assembled from several individual flat sheets, it is also possible to use different materials for the first and second flat sheets, for example. This allows for a targeted mix of strips with different properties.

[0037] The above-mentioned aspects apply advantageously to all embodiments.

[0038] The object is further achieved by a method in the tobacco processing industry for simultaneously producing at least a first and a second strand from at least a first flat web and a second flat web separate from the first flat web, wherein this method is further developed in that the first flat web is separated into a first group of strips by means of a first separating unit (12a) and the second flat web is separated into a second group of strips by means of a second separating unit (12b), wherein the first and second separating units (12a, 12b) each have at least a first roller and a second roller cooperating therewith,and then the first group of strips is bundled and a first transport direction of the first group of strips is changed according to a first change of direction and the second group of strips is bundled and a second transport direction of the second group of strips is changed according to a second change of direction and then a first strand is formed from the first group of strips and a second strand is formed from the second group of strips.,

[0039] The process for producing at least the first and second strands offers the same or similar advantages as those already mentioned with regard to the establishment of the tobacco processing industry. To avoid repetition, these will not be mentioned again.

[0040] Furthermore, it is also planned to further develop the procedure in an analogous manner, taking into account the additional aspects mentioned in connection with the institution, so that repetition in this regard should also be avoided.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the first change of direction and the second change of direction are different from one another, wherein in particular the first and the second change of direction are opposite to one another.

[0042] Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the group of strips is bundled symmetrically, so that in a bundling zone the outer strips of the group each cover a distance of at least approximately the same length.

[0043] In the bundling zone, viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the conveying direction, the outer strips are each equally spaced from the center of the bundle. This prevents individual strips from being overstretched locally.

[0044] The method is further developed in particular in that the first flat web is provided by a first reel and the second flat web is provided by a second reel.

[0045] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that an at least double-width flat web is provided by an at least double-width bobbin, and the at least double-width flat web is separated into at least the first and the second flat web.

[0046] Furthermore, the method is preferably further developed in that at least one upper flat web and one lower flat web are joined together to form a multi-layer flat web before the multi-layer flat web is separated into groups of strips.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the flat web is folded continuously along its length, in particular in such a way that a longitudinal edge of the flat web comes to lie on an opposite longitudinal edge of the flat web, so that a longitudinally folded flat web is provided as a multi-layer flat web.

[0048] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may incorporate individual features or a combination of several features.

[0049] The invention is described below, without limiting the general inventive concept, using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, whereby express reference is made to the drawings for all details of the invention not explained in more detail in the text. They show: Fig. 1a to 4c each show schematic and simplified representations of a facility in the tobacco processing industry, the views designated a) being schematic and simplified longitudinal sections, the views designated b) being schematic and simplified plan views, and the views designated c) being schematic and simplified detailed views in a plan view, Fig. 4d) an alternative embodiment of the strip group guidance device in the Fig. 4a) to 4c) known facility of the tobacco processing industry in schematic and simplified detailed view of a longitudinal section, Fig. 4e) a schematically simplified detailed plan view of the Fig. 4d) shown alternative design of the strip group guidance device, Fig. 5a to 7b each show schematic and simplified representations of a facility in the tobacco processing industry, the views designated a) showing schematic and simplified longitudinal sections and the views designated b) showing schematic and simplified plan views.

[0050] Within the scope of the invention, features marked "particularly" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features. In the drawings, identical or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that repeated presentation is omitted.

[0051] Fig. 1a) shows a schematic and simplified longitudinal section of a device 2 of the tobacco processing industry. This device comprises a flat web supply device 4, in which a first flat web 8a is provided on a first reel 6a and a second flat web 8b is provided on a second reel 6b. The two flat webs 8a, 8b are separate from one another and are guided in two spaced-apart planes. The flat webs 8a, 8b are transferred in these two planes separately from one another in a transport direction T to a separating device 10. The separating device 10 comprises a first separating unit 12a and a second separating unit 12b. The first separating unit 12a is designed to separate the first flat web 8a into a first group of individual and separate strips, which in the illustration of Fig. 1 are not shown in detail. The second separating unit 12b is configured to separate the second flat web 8b into a second group of individual and separate strips.

[0052] The first separation unit 12a and the second separation unit 12b are configured, in particular, like a separation device described in the unpublished German patent application with the official file number 10 2018 106 826.3. The content of this patent application is incorporated into the present description by reference with regard to the configuration of the first separation unit 12a and the second separation unit 12b.

[0053] In particular, the first and second separating units 12a, 12b each comprise at least a first roller and a second roller cooperating therewith. The lateral surfaces of these rollers have circumferentially closed grooves and elevations alternating in the axial direction of the respective roller. The axial directions of the rollers extend parallel to the plane in which the flat web is fed to the respective separating unit 12a or 12b. In an active region, the elevations of the first roller engage in the grooves of the second roller, and the elevations of the second roller engage in the grooves of the first roller. The first and second separating units 12a, 12b are configured to produce a plurality of directly adjacent strips. The strips are produced by separating the respective flat web 8a, 8b along predetermined separating lines in the active region.This is done by overstretching the respective flat sheet 8a, 8b transversely to the corresponding dividing line to such an extent that it tears apart along this dividing line.

[0054] The separating units 12a, 12b therefore do not utilize a knife arrangement in which adjacent knives lie directly adjacent to one another in the effective area and interact like the blades of scissors. There is no sharp scissor cut. The flat webs 8a, 8b are separated into individual, separate strips by creating a defined break in the flat web along the respective separating line. This results in a plurality of strips, namely the first group of strips and the second group of strips. The strips advantageously have a microstructure in which the side edges of the strips are rough and thus open.

[0055] The first group of strips, which leaves the first separating unit 12a in the transport direction T, and the second group of strips, which also leaves the second separating unit 12b in the transport direction T, reach a first strip group guide unit 14a and a second strip group guide unit 14b, respectively. The first strip group guide unit 14a and the second strip group guide unit 14b together form a strip group guide device 16. With the help of the first strip group guide unit 14a, the first group of strips is bundled and deflected from a first transport direction, which in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the transport direction T, according to a first change of direction. This first change of direction deflects the first group of strips downward.A further change of direction then occurs, so that the strips are conveyed again in the transport direction T at a lower level. Similarly, the second strip group guide unit 14b deflects the strips of the second group from a second transport direction, which in the illustrated embodiment also corresponds to the transport direction T, according to a second change of direction. This second change of direction causes the second group of strips to be deflected upwards. Just like the strips of the first group, the strips of the second group are subsequently subjected to a further change of direction, so that they, too, are subsequently conveyed again in the transport direction T.

[0056] At the exit of the strip group guidance device 16, which is in Fig. 1, a first bundle of strips and a second bundle of strips are provided to a multiple strand forming device 18. The multiple strand forming device 18 is configured to produce two separate strands, namely a first strand 20a and a second strand 20b, from the two bundles of strips submitted to it. The two strands 20a, 20b are produced simultaneously.

[0057] Fig. 1b) shows the Fig. 1a) known device 2 of the tobacco processing industry in a schematically simplified plan view. The first and second flat webs 8a, 8b are, as in Fig. 1a) shown, arranged in different levels, as in Fig. 1b) are visible, but slightly offset from each other. For this reason, the second flat track 8b is partially covered by the first flat track 8a. The same applies to the first and second separating units 12a, 12b and the first and second strip group guide units 14a, 14b. As strip group guide units 14a, 14b, slides adjustable in inclination and width are used in particular. The two guides are configured such that the distance between the strip bundles provided at the output of the strip group guide units 14a, 14b corresponds to a predetermined distance D, as is usually the case between a first strand 20a and a second strand 20b of a double-strand machine. This is shown in the detailed view of Fig. 1c) is shown in more detail. For example, the distance D between the first strand 20a and the second strand 20b is 38 mm.

[0058] To change the transport direction of the two groups of strips or the bundles of strips, Fig. 1 and partly not shown, deflection pulleys or the like are provided, which are not further provided with reference numerals.

[0059] Fig. Figure 2 shows a device 2 of the tobacco processing industry according to a further embodiment. Fig. 2a) a schematically simplified longitudinal section view, Fig. 2b) a schematically simplified plan view and Fig. 2c) a schematically simplified detailed view in a plan view. Fig. 2 shown facility 2 of the tobacco processing industry is similar to that in connection with Fig. 1 explained device 2, so that only the constructive differences will be explained.

[0060] The strip group guide device 16 comprises as first and second strip group guide units 14a, 14b each two keyway rollers, of which a first keyway roller 22a and a second keyway roller 22b are shown in the detailed view of Fig. 2c) are visible. As in Fig. 2a), the first group of strips, which is produced from the first flat web 8a, passes through the first keyway roller 22a and then through another keyway roller not provided with a reference number. The second group of strips first passes through a Fig. 2c) not visible keyway roller and then the second keyway roller 22b, which is in Fig. 2c). The key-grooved rollers not only transport the strips, but also bundle the strips into a strip bundle, which is then transferred to the multiple strand forming device 18. At each of the key-grooved rollers, the group of strips or the strip bundle is deflected with the aim of subsequently transferring the strip bundles in a common plane to the multiple strand forming device 18.

[0061] The first change in direction experienced by the first group of stripes is different from the second change in direction experienced by the second group of stripes. Thus, the first group is deflected downwards, while the second group is deflected upwards. Just as in the case of Fig. In the embodiment explained in Figure 1, the two changes in direction are therefore opposite to each other.

[0062] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a device 2 of the tobacco processing industry. Fig. 3a) a schematically simplified longitudinal section, in Fig. 3b) a schematically simplified plan view and in Fig. 3c) shows a schematically simplified detailed view in plan view. Only the differences compared to the Fig. 2 shown embodiment is explained.

[0063] The Fig. The tobacco processing industry device 2 shown in Figure 3 differs significantly in the design of the flat web supply device 4. This device comprises a double-width reel 23 on which a double-width flat web 24 is provided. The flat web supply device 4 further comprises a separating device 26 configured to separate the double-width flat web 24 into the first flat web 8a and the second flat web 8b. In the illustrated embodiment, the separating device 26 is formed as a component of the flat web supply device 4.

[0064] The severing device 26 is, for example, a pair of cooperating roller knives. After the severing process, the second flat web 8b is deflected by means of several deflection rollers 28 such that when the flat webs 8a, 8b are transferred from the flat web supply device 4 to the severing device 10, the first and second flat webs 8a, 8b are arranged with such an offset to one another as can be seen from the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2. The deflection of the second flat web 8b with the aid of the deflection rollers 28 is achieved by a so-called "twist", i.e. a partially vertical web guide with subsequent bending. Before the second flat web 8b enters the deflection device formed by the deflection rollers 28, the first and second flat webs 8a, 8b together have a width B which corresponds at least approximately to twice the single width of one of the two flat webs 8a, 8b in the previously mentioned embodiments. For this reason, the width B should also be referred to as double the width. The first and second flat webs 8a, 8b are preferably the same width.

[0065] As in the previously mentioned embodiments, the strip group guide device 16, which in the Fig. 3, is again implemented by means of keyway rollers 22, and is configured such that the group of strips leaving the respective separating unit 12a, 12b is bundled symmetrically. This means that the outer strips of the group of strips each travel an at least approximately equal distance in the bundling zone.

[0066] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the device 2 of the tobacco processing industry, wherein Fig. 4a) a schematically simplified longitudinal section, Fig. 4b) a schematically simplified plan view and Fig. 4c) shows a schematically simplified detailed view in plan view. The flat web supply device 4 shown again comprises a double-width reel 23, from which a double-width flat web 24 is unwound. This is separated in the subsequent separating device 26 into the first and second flat webs 8a, 8b. Deviating from the previously described embodiments, the two flat webs 8a, 8b are now guided next to each other in one plane. This is schematically indicated by the double line in Fig. 4a). The two flat webs 8a, 8b are transferred side by side, ie lying in one plane, from the flat web supply device 4 to the separating device 10.

[0067] The first and second separating units 12a, 12b of the separating device 10 are arranged side by side. For example, the two separating units 12a, 12b can be designed such that, instead of separate rollers for each of the separating units 12a, 12b, a common pair of rollers is provided, i.e., a common upper roller above the two flat tracks 8a, 8b and a common lower roller cooperating with this roller below the flat tracks 8a, 8b. This leads to a structural simplification of the separating units 12a, 12b. For example, instead of four drives for four rollers, only two drives are now required for the upper and lower rollers. The respective separating unit 12a, 12b is formed by the corresponding sections of these common rollers.

[0068] The bundling of the produced strips is then carried out using keyway rollers 22, as shown in the detailed view of Fig. 4c). The key-grooved rollers 22 bundle the strips. The deflection of the strip bundles to the distance D at which the strip bundles are transferred to the multiple strand forming device 18 is also performed by key-grooved rollers 22. This final deflection occurs on the already bundled strips.

[0069] As an alternative to the Fig. 4a) to 4c), in which the respective wedge rollers 22, which bring the strips of different bundles together and bring them to the distance D, are arranged on a common axis, a configuration as shown in the Fig. 4d) and 4e). This is shown in the schematically simplified detailed view in Fig. 4d), which shows a longitudinal section through the separating device 10. After the flat webs 8a, 8b have been separated into groups of strips by the two separating units 12a, 12b, these are guided in different planes and fed to the first keyway rollers 22a in these spaced-apart planes. The strips are bundled using the first keyway rollers 22a, which the bundles of strips first encounter in the transport direction T. The bundles of strips are then deflected into a common plane and brought together at the desired distance D. This occurs with the transfer to the second keyway rollers 22b following in the transport direction T. Fig. 4e) shows this arrangement in a schematically simplified top view.

[0070] According to a further embodiment, the separating device 26 is not provided in the flat web supply device 4, but in the separating device 10. The previously explained rollers, which together form the first and second separating units 12a, 12b, can be designed, for example, as a type of roller knife arrangement in a central region in which the double-width flat web 24 is to be separated into the two individual flat webs 8a, 8b.

[0071] Deviating from the representation in the Fig. 4a) and Fig. 4b), the separating device 26 is thus located between the two separating units 12a, 12b and, in contrast to the illustration in 4b), not two individual flat webs 8a, 8b are fed to the separating units 12a, 12b, but a double-width flat web 24.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the facility 2 of the tobacco processing industry. Fig. 5a) shows a schematically simplified longitudinal section through this device 2, Fig. 5b) a schematically simplified top view. The device 2 comprises a flat web supply device 4 with a first reel 6a and a second reel 6b, from which a first flat web 8a and a second flat web 8b are provided, respectively. The flat web supply device 4 further comprises a layer-forming unit 30, which is configured to combine the first flat web 8a as an upper flat web and the second flat web 8b as a lower flat web to form a multi-layer flat web 32. An upper flat web 31a is provided by the first reel 6a, and a lower flat web 31b is provided by the second reel 6b. The upper and lower flat webs 31a, 31b are combined by means of the layer-forming unit 30 to form a multi-layer flat web 32. This multi-layer flat web 32 is transferred to the separating device 10.

[0073] Directly downstream of the layer forming unit 30, which is formed, for example, by a deflection roller or a pair of deflection rollers, is the separating device 26, with which the multi-layer flat web 32 is separated into the first flat web 8a and the second flat web 8b. Since the respective flat webs 8a, 8b are now double-layered, they can be produced with a reduced width, for example, only the width compared to the embodiment of the Fig. 4 half width. The same applies to the separating units 12a, 12b, which can again be designed, for example, as a common pair of rollers. The subsequent bundling and deflection of the strip bundles in the strip group guide device 16 is again carried out by means of keyway rollers 22 to the distance D suitable for the multiple strand forming device 18.

[0074] Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the facility 2 of the tobacco processing industry. Fig. 6a) shows a schematically simplified longitudinal section, Fig. 6b) a schematically simplified top view. The flat web supply device 4 of this device 2 comprises a double-width reel 23, from which a double-width flat web 24 is provided. The flat web supply device 4 also comprises, as a layer-forming unit 30, a folding unit 34, which is configured to continuously fold the double-width flat web 24 along its length. The double-width flat web 24 is folded such that the longitudinal edge lies against the longitudinal edge, thus allowing a multi-layer flat web 32 to be provided at the exit of the folding unit 34. For example, the longitudinal edge of the flat web lies against the longitudinal edge centrally in the double-layer flat web 32 in a region in which the double-layer flat web 32 is separated into the first and second flat webs 8a, 8b by the separating device 26, which is arranged downstream and, for example, in the separating device 10.This is followed by the separation of the respective double-layered individual flat webs 8a, 8b into groups of strips, their bundling and deflection by means of the keyway rollers 22 in the strip group guide device 16 and the subsequent strand formation in the multiple strand formation device 18.

[0075] Fig. Figure 7 shows a further schematically simplified representation of a device 2, wherein Fig. 7a) a longitudinal section and Fig. 7b) shows a schematically simplified plan view. The device is constructed similarly to that described in connection with Fig. 3 has already been described. However, the first and second flat webs 8a and 8b are now provided side by side in two separate tracks on the double-width reel 23. Thus, the separating device 26 can be omitted. With regard to the remaining design of the device 2 shown, reference is made to the explanations in connection with Fig. 3.

[0076] All mentioned features, including those revealed solely in the drawings as well as individual features disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, both individually and in combination. Embodiments according to the invention may be fulfilled by individual features or a combination of several features. List of reference symbols 2 Establishment of the tobacco processing industry 4 Flat track supply device 6a first reel 6b second reel 8a first flat track 8b second flat track 10 Separating device 12a first separation unit 12b second separation unit 14a first patrol group command unit 14b second patrol group command unit 16 strip group guidance device 18 Multiple strand formation device 20a first strand 20b second strand 22 keyway rollers 22a first keyway rollers 22b second keyway rollers 23 double-width bobbins 24 double-width flat track 26 ripping device 28 pulleys 30 layer formation unit 31a upper flat track 31b lower flat track 32 multi-layer flat track 34 folding unit B Width D Distance T Transport direction

Claims

[1] A device (2) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a flat web supply device (4) which is configured to supply at least one first flat web (8a) and a second flat web (8b) separate therefrom to a downstream multiple strand forming device (18) which is configured to simultaneously produce at least one first and one second strand (20a, 20b) from the first and second flat webs (8a, 8b), wherein a separating device (10) and a strip group guiding device (16) are provided successively in a conveying path from the flat web supply device (4) to the multiple strand forming device (18) in a transport direction (T), wherein the separating device (10) comprises at least one first and one second separating unit (12a, 12b), and the first separating unit (12a) is configured toto separate the first flat web (8a) into a first group of strips and the second separation unit (12b) is configured to separate the second flat web (8b) into a second group of strips, the strip group guide device (16) comprises at least a first and a second strip group guide unit (14a, 14b) and the first strip group guide unit (14a) is configured to bundle the first group of strips, to change a first transport direction of the first group of strips according to a first change in direction and to provide a first strip bundle to the multiple strand forming device (18), and the second strip group guide unit (14b) is configured to bundle the second group of strips, to change a second transport direction of the second group of strips according to a second change in direction and to provide a second strip bundle to the multiple strand forming device (18), ,characterized by that the separating unit comprises a first roller and a second roller cooperating therewith, wherein the lateral surfaces of the rollers have circumferentially closed grooves and elevations in an axial direction of the respective roller, alternating in the circumferential direction. [2] Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first change of direction and the second change of direction are different from each other, in particular the first and the second change of direction are opposite to each other. [3] Device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the strip group guide device (16) is designed to bundle the group of strips symmetrically, so that in a bundling zone the respective outer strips of the group cover a distance of at least approximately the same length. [4] Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized byin that the flat web supply device (4) comprises at least a first and a second reel (6a, 6b) and is designed to provide the first flat web (8a) from the first reel (6a) and the second flat web (8b) from the second reel (6b). [5] Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by in that the flat web supply device (4) comprises a reel (23) of at least twice the width, wherein an at least twice the width flat web (24) can be provided on the reel (23) of at least twice the width, and wherein a separating device (26) is included which is designed to separate the flat web (24) of at least twice the width into at least the first and the second flat web (8a, 8b), wherein the separating device (26) is provided as a component of the flat web supply device (4) or as a component of the separating device (10). [6] Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized byin that the flat web providing device (4) comprises a layer forming unit (30) which is designed to join at least one upper flat web (31a) and one lower flat web (31b) together to form a multi-layer flat web (32) and to provide it to the separating device (10). [7] Device (2) according to claim 6, characterized by in that the layer forming unit (30) is a folding unit (34) which is designed to continuously fold the flat web along its length, in particular to fold it such that the flat web lies longitudinal edge to longitudinal edge, and to provide the longitudinally folded flat web as a multi-layer flat web. [8] Device (2) according to claims 5 and 6, characterized byin that the flat web supply device (4) comprises a double-width upper bobbin and a double-width lower bobbin, wherein the flat web supply device (4) is designed to provide the upper flat web from the upper bobbin and the lower flat web from the lower bobbin, to join them together in the layer forming unit (30) to form a multi-layer double-width flat web (32) and to provide them to the separating device (10) as a double-width multi-layer flat web (32). [9] Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the first and the second separation unit (12a, 12b) are separate units, wherein in particular the first and the second separation unit (12a, 12b) are arranged in different planes of the separation device (10). [10] Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the first and the second separation unit (12a, 12b) are designed as a common unit, wherein in particular the first and the second separation unit (12a, 12b) have a common drive and furthermore in particular have an identical transport speed. [11] Method in the tobacco processing industry for the simultaneous production of at least a first and a second strand from at least a first flat web (8a) and a second flat web (8b) separate therefrom, characterized byin that the first flat web (8a) is separated into a first group of strips by means of a first separating unit (12a) and the second flat web (8b) is separated into a second group of strips by means of a second separating unit (12b), so that a plurality of immediately adjacent strips is produced, wherein the first and second separating units (12a, 12b) each have at least a first roller and a second roller cooperating therewith, and then the first group of strips is bundled and a first transport direction of the first group of strips is changed according to a first change of direction, and the second group of strips is bundled and a second transport direction of the second group of strips is changed according to a second change of direction, and then a first strand is formed from the first group of strips and a second strand is formed from the second group of strips. [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized bythat the first change of direction and the second change of direction are different from each other, in particular the first and the second change of direction are opposite to each other. [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the group of strips is bundled symmetrically so that in a bundling zone the outer strips of the group each cover a distance of at least approximately the same length. [14] Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the first flat web (8a) is provided by a first reel (6a) and the second flat web (8b) is provided by a second reel (6b). [15] Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that an at least double-width flat web (24) is provided by an at least double-width reel (23), and the at least double-width flat web (24) is separated into at least the first and the second flat web (8a, 8b). [16] Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized by that at least one upper flat web (31a) and one lower flat web (31b) are joined together to form a multi-layer flat web (32) before the multi-layer flat web (32) is separated into groups of strips. [17] Method according to claim 16, characterized by that the flat web is folded continuously along its length, in particular such that a longitudinal edge of the flat web comes to lie on an opposite longitudinal edge of the flat web, so that a longitudinally folded flat web is provided as a multi-layer flat web (32).

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